Been looking to bag this one for a long time, and finally did so on a windy December day. Long walk from Hwy 74, but that's all that's needed - just walking. Went up Santa Rosa Mtn for good measure, since it was on the way. The views from the top of Toro (the real summit) are arguably the best in SoCal in my opinion. Could see all the way into Mexico, most of Anza-Borrego and all 3 Saints and their respective ranges to the north. Just fabulous.

Took three drives to the TH to get up this one, on previous trips either too tired with too much snow or horrid weather (and snow) holding me back. On my third I was suprised by a new gate closed and locked right at the 7S02 turnoff from Highway 74. The gate was huge... could have stopped a Mark VIII tank from passing through. Could not turn back again so made the long hike up the road, slightly shortened and made more enjoyable by cutting up Garnet Queen Creek to Santa Rosa Spring.

Drove up seven miles on the road until there was a little too much snow for my 2wd Ford Escape. Lots of snow on the north side of the peak but we had bluebird skies and warm temps all day long. Also did Santa Rosa Mtn. Awesome day in the mountains and my first peak of 2012! 13 miles round trip

I started my bike ride from the intersection of Hwy 74 with Santa Rosa Truck trail (Forest Road 7S02). Took me ~ 3.5 hrs to climb up the 4,000 feet on my MTB. Was much looking forward to the blazefest descent when 10 min into the ride down my back tire blew. Guess what? Had to walk 11 miles back to my car (didn't carry a spare tube nor pump.....leasson learned).

This was a spur of the moment hike. Left late morning from San Diego. I was only able to drive on forest route 7S02 (aka Santa Rosa Truck Trail) only 4.8 miles in from the turnoff on SR 74....where forest road 7S02 meets Garnet Queen Creek at approx. 6,200 feet. Snow and ice forced me to park here which meant a long hike in to the peak (~ 7 miles to the summit). I didn't help that I started the hike at the late hour of 2:01PM on a winter day. Also, I made the mistake of wearing my tennis shoes and not bringing enough water (ate snow on the way down). Anyway, I had to break trail for a couple of hours. Feet were moist/wet from the snow. I made Toro's summit at 5:05PM. The descent took longer than the ascent. I finally reached my car at 8:40PM (~ 6.5 hrs roundtrip, 14 miles).